Texans step up fight to reverse NASA decision on retired shuttles

Houston-area lawmakers are mounting an uphill campaign to reverse NASA’s decision and win a retired shuttle orbiter for public display at Space Center Houston adjacent to the Johnson Space Center.

The House members are taking two approaches to require NASA administrator Charles Bolden to reassign the retired shuttle orbiters that he allocated on Tuesday.

Five Texans have joined five colleagues from Utah, Florida, California and Ohio to propose legislation that would designate JSC as one of the permanent retirement homes for one of the three space shuttles that have actually flown in orbit.

“After hearing many of my colleagues in Congress cry out: ‘Earth to NASA,’ I am seeking to restore common sense and fairness to the space shuttle retirement home debate,” said Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, author of the measure.

“Instead of relying on political guidance systems, these decisions must be steered by history and logic.”